Nairobi, KENYA: Religious leaders have urged the government to deal decisively with politicians who are masterminding criminal gangs as the country gears to the August polls .

In a media briefing in Nairobi on Thursday led by Bishop Mark Kariuki, they said there is need for security agencies to take action against such politicians indicating that such criminal gangs are detrimental to the security and stability of the country.

“We therefore urge you to take firm action against the political actors who are organizing criminal gangs who are undertaking violence and terror against Kenyans across the country.” Kariuki said.

He urged the agencies to make sure that the sponsors of such groups are arrested and brought to book in bid to prevent ethnic violence .

Kariuki called on the national intelligence service to cooperate with other security agencies, by giving them security status information which will permit them to take action on any security hitch, in order to make sure that the August polls exercise is successful.

They also urged the media to uphold factual and fair play coverage of election and desist from sensationalizing information so that to maintain calm.

The group urged Kenyans to maintain peace prior,during and after elections in order to propel cohesion in the country.